November 19th, 2017

PETITION TO STOP THE SHA FROM BANNING RURAL GIRLS FROM BANNING RURAL GIRLS FROM PLAYING IN THE CITY

Last spring the Sask Hockey Association (SHA) mandated that rural females would no longer be allowed to play female hockey with in the city limits of Regina or Saskatoon. Currently, rural females are allowed to participate with in the city Female leagues and are flourishing with the high level of programming offered.  As of the 2018-2019 season this mandate will ban all rural female players from playing within the city.

Due to current lack of female players in rural areas this mandate will force girls to play in areas where quality, tiered programming is not yet feasible.  Minor Hockey Associations, parents, players and coaches agree that increasing the rural numbers is possible - but only if it's done with the proper research and planning.  They also agree that the time frame which the SHA plans to implement the border closure  is not reasonable and will undoubtedly push many girls to quit hockey.

After much protest the local minor hockey associations affected by this were offered the opportunity to submit proposals to the SHA explaining their concerns and suggestions to a better solution. Several MHAs submitted proposals offering their concerns and suggestions.  All proposals were REJECTED with no sharing of why the proposals are not being considered!!  This means that the SHA plans to move forward with the ban despite the protest and concerns of the MHAs, players, parents and coaches.
We are very concerned for the future of female hockey in Saskatchewan should this border closure proceed.  Not only does it look to increase driving time for many players and eliminate the option for girls to play with like skilled players, but also will remove many very talented and passionate players from the city league - reducing the numbers that the city leagues have worked so hard to build up.

We would like to urge the SHA to postpone this mandate until further research and collaboration can be had between the affected parties.  We would like to see  a reasonable solution found that will not put the future of female hockey at risk.
Please help us show the Saskatchewan Hockey Association that our girls do matter and ask them to postpone this decision and put the time and research into it that our female players deserve.